Risky Sexual Behavior and Associated Factors among Adolescents Aged 15-19 Years at Governmental High Schools in Aksum Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019: An Institution-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: The impact of risky sexual practice on the general health of adolescents is enormous; little attention has been given on identification and intervention plans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find the magnitude of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among adolescents aged 15-19 years in high schools at Aksum town, Tigray, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at governmental high schools of Aksum town. We recruited a total of 659 adolescents aged 15-19 years by using a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected with a face-to-face interview. An Amharic version of the sexual risk behavior scale was used to measure risky sexual behaviors. The patient health questionnaire 9, the Oslo-3 social support scale, and an adverse childhood experience questionnaire were used to assess the factors. The coded data were entered into EpiData v.4.1 and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done. An adjusted odds ratio at a p value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was taken to declare statistical significance. RESULT: A total of 644 students have participated with a response rate of 97.7%. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among adolescents aged 15-19 years was found to be 17.2%. Factors like poor social support (AOR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.71-11.53), living out of family (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.21-3.07), experiencing parental neglect (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.18-2.94), and drinking alcohol (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.55-4.20) were statistically associated with risky sexual behavior. Conclusion and Recommendations. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior was found to be alarming among adolescents of high school aged 15-19 years. This can significantly affect health quality in the community and the country at large. We recommend setting strategies that are against the determining factors of risky sexual behavior; the control of alcoholic beverages among adolescents aged 15-19 years must be enhanced, and awareness creation must be made regarding its unpleasant consequences.